The Galata Tower is a medieval stone tower located in the Galata district of Istanbul, Turkey, standing about 63 meters tall. It was originally built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian around 507-508 AD as a wooden tower called Megalos Pyrgos (Great Tower) for defense and as a lighthouse. The original tower was destroyed during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. The current stone tower was rebuilt by the Genoese in 1348-1349 during their colony’s expansion in Constantinople and was called Christea Turris (Tower of Christ). It was the tallest building in the city at that time.
 
interesting facts...
A romantic tale tells of a princess letting down her hair from the tower for her forbidden lover to climb up to her. We all know which fairytale that inspired. Infact it is rumoured that couples who climb the tower together for the first time are destined to marry.